B.A. in Physics
Description
The B.A. degree in physics is suggested for students wishing to teach physics in high school or to enter graduate or professional schools, such as medical school or law school. The department also offers a special B.A. curriculum for pre-medical students, which includes physics courses that are especially useful for medical students. It is recommended that students interested in teaching high school physics obtain a B.A. physics degree and a secondary education certification.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 120
General Education Requirements
See the 'General Education/Core Curriculum' for the College of Liberal Arts.
Course Requirements
A major in physics for the B.A. degree requires 29 semester hours of physics classes. Students must follow one of two tracks:
- Phys 211, 212, 221, 222, and 303; or
- Phys 213, 214, 223, 224, and 303.
Students may satisfy the Phys 211-212 or the 213-214 requirements by demonstrating a high level of proficiency on an exam, but will need to complete the 29 hours of physics by taking additional higher-level Phys courses. Both tracks require Math 261, Math 262, and at least 2 hours of Phys 461, 463 or 464. Both tracks require at least 16 hours of approved physics courses at the 300 level or higher and must include at least 6 hours of approved physics courses at the 400 level or above.
The special B.A. physics curriculum for pre-medical students uses the same two tracks, but specifies that the 16 hours of physics electives must be chosen from the following group of courses: Phys 317, 319, 321, 413, 417, and 422.